Alex Green: Why Packers RB Is Worth a Week 6 Waiver-Wire Pickup

You knew it wasn't good news when Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson needed to be carted off the field at Lucas Oil Stadium this past Sunday.

As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tyler Dunne tweets, it wasn't:

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McCarthy: Raji "has a chance" this week with ankle. Benson also in a boot and is "out." Finley (shoulder) "has a chance."

— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) October 8, 2012

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ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the news has gone from bad to worse:

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Cedric Benson has a Lisfranc foot injury expected to sideline him eight weeks and could end his season if doctors determine he needs surgery

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Alex Green, the man who replaced Benson against the Colts and carried the ball nine times for 55 yards, immediately becomes the hottest name on this week's waiver wire.

At 6'0", 225 pounds, Green is a bruiser, and that fits well with what the Packers do in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

That's not to say that he doesn't have speed, as he showed quickness in the open field against the Colts, almost breaking his 41-yard run for a touchdown.

Considering that it was his first time to shine in the NFL, the 24-year-old did pretty well for himself.

Green isn't as adept a receiver out of the backfield as Benson was, but he figures to see his fair share of looks from Aaron Rodgers, something that only increases his value (especially in PPR leagues).

James Starks is fully recovered from a turf toe injury that he suffered during the preseason and ready to play, according to Dunne. For what it's worth, Dunne reported that two days before the Packers took on the Colts, and Starks was still inactive for the game.

Chances are that upon his return, he'll be used as a change-of-pace back and on third downs as the Packers try and ease him back into action. Unless Green falters, however, the Packers have no reason to make the switch to Starks.

If Schefter's report is accurate, Green will be a viable starter in your backfield or as a flex option for the rest of the season.